Hon Nathan Guy
Minister for Primary Industries
28 February 2014 Media Statement
Ministerial visit to Middle East
Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy leaves tomorrow on a visit to Saudi Arabia, Oman and the United Arab Emirates.
“This visit is an opportunity to build on New Zealand’s already well-established relationship with key agricultural and
food export markets,” says Mr Guy.
“In 2013 New Zealand exported $1.6b of primary products to these three markets, and our agricultural expertise is in
strong demand as states in the region look to improve their food security.”
In the United Arab Emirates Mr Guy will be discussing a joint project with Environment Abu Dhabi where New Zealand is
assisting with environmental management. He will also open Fonterra's new warehouse, which will operate as a hub for
re-exports throughout the region and signals the importance of the Gulf region to New Zealand's dairy exports.
While in Saudi Arabia he will meet with his ministerial counterpart and also visit the site of a New Zealand
agribusiness service hub and demonstration farm currently under development near Dammam.
In Oman Minister Guy will also be meeting both the Agriculture and Foreign Affairs Ministers and will be holding
discussions on increasing trade and agricultural linkages.
“Launched last year, the NZ Inc Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Strategy outlines New Zealand’s plans for further
developing strong government and private sector relationships with the GCC. It calls for expanded trade and economic
relationships with region.
“This visit will help to grow our relationship and help New Zealand become a partner of choice. It will also be an
opportunity to discuss how we can work with the states of the region in areas where we have particular expertise, such
as agriculture, fisheries and environmental management,” says Mr Guy.